What are Passkeys?
A brief explanation of Passkeys and how they are more secure than traditional passwords.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital authentication, the concept of passkeys represents a major leap forward in both security and convenience. As phishing attacks and credential theft continue to threaten software enterprises and individual consumers alike, passkeys stand out as a robust, user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). This article explores what passkeys are, how they work, and the mechanics of their management across various devices and operating systems—a vital consideration for organizations that prioritize user experience and data protection.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are cryptographic credentials designed to replace passwords in the online authentication process. Based on open standards such as FIDO2 and WebAuthn, passkeys leverage public key cryptography to securely authenticate users without transmitting or storing sensitive information that could be intercepted or reused. When a user creates a passkey for a service, the device generates a unique pair of cryptographic keys: a public key (shared with the service provider) and a private key (securely stored on the device and never shared).
The security and convenience of this model are transformative. Instead of remembering complex passwords or relying on one-time codes sent via SMS or email, users can authenticate using a biometric (fingerprint or facial scan), device PIN, or pattern unlock. Passkeys are inherently phishing-resistant. Even if a malicious actor tricks a user into visiting a fake login page, the connection to the legitimate public key on the real service can’t be impersonated.
Managing Passkeys on Various Devices
Successful adoption of passkeys hinges on seamless management—users expect to authenticate effortlessly, regardless of device or operating system. Major platforms have integrated passkey support into their core identity frameworks, making cross-device usability a reality for both businesses and consumers.
Apple Ecosystem (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
Apple introduced passkey support in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. When users create a passkey, it’s stored securely in iCloud Keychain—Apple’s encrypted credentials manager. This means that passkeys are available across all Apple devices logged into the same Apple ID, synchronized using end-to-end encryption.
Authenticating with a passkey typically involves Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. If a user wants to sign in on a non-Apple device, they can use a QR code on the login page and approve the authentication on their iPhone or Mac.
Android Devices and Google Accounts
Google has also implemented passkey functionality, beginning with Android 9 and later versions. Passkeys are managed through the user’s Google Password Manager and backed up to the user’s Google Account in the cloud. Like Apple’s solution, this allows for credential synchronization across all devices signed into the same Google Account and supports transfer between devices, ensuring continuity if a phone is replaced or lost.
On Android, authentication is often performed with a fingerprint, face scan, or the device’s screen lock. Google has also built APIs for third-party apps and websites to adopt passkeys, accelerating industry adoption.
Windows and Microsoft Accounts
On Windows, especially Windows 10 and 11, passkeys are managed through Windows Hello—Microsoft’s biometric authentication framework. Users can store passkeys with their Microsoft Account and access them via PINs, face recognition (Windows Hello Face), or fingerprint scans (Windows Hello Fingerprint). Passkeys can also be synchronized across devices using OneDrive, enabling secure sign-in on any Windows device tied to the same account credentials.
Cross-Platform and Shared Device Scenarios
A powerful feature of passkeys is their portability. With QR code login standards, passkeys generated on one device ecosystem (like an iPhone) can be used to authenticate logins on another (such as a Windows PC or Android Chromebook). This ensures broad compatibility and a frictionless experience regardless of the device mix.
In enterprise environments—such as SaaS platforms servicing real estate brokerages—the management of passkeys can also be integrated into centralized identity providers, offering IT administrators granular control over user access, auditing, and automated provisioning or revocation.
The Future of Passkeys in Authentication
Passkeys are a significant step toward the vision of a passwordless future. For real estate technology providers and their clients, implementing passkeys enhances not only security but also user satisfaction—eliminating password reset tickets, streamlining login flows, and reducing exposure to phishing-based account takeovers.
While passkey adoption is accelerating, organizations must keep users educated about their benefits and ensure robust device management practices. With ongoing advances across major device ecosystems, and growing support from leading SaaS vendors, passkeys are fast becoming the industry standard for next-generation digital authentication.